Keke Palmer to Grace Broadway Stage as First African-American Cinderella

Keke Palmer will make history next month when she becomes Broadway's first African-American Cinderella, replacing actress Paige Faure on the Great White Way Sept. 9.

Palmer, who has appeared in such movies as "Akeelah and the Bee," "Madea's Family Reunion," and "Joyful Noise," follows in the footsteps of Cinderellas past, including Tony Away nominee Laura Osnes and pop star Carly Rae Jepsen, who finished up a three-month stint onstage in June, The New York Times reported.

"I have an infinite amount of gratitude to show," Palmer, 20, said in a statement. "I am thankful to be able to do this and excited for the discipline it will bring."

While Palmer is the first black woman to play Cinderella on Broadway, she is not the first African-American to ever have the role. Singer Brandy portrayed the character in the 1997 Disney television movie, which also starred Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.

News of Palmer's impending Broadway debut was met with overwhelmingly positive comments on social media.